The Data

Jing-Jin-Ji’s Air Pollution Challenge

Sources of PM2.5 air pollution – particulate matter of 2.5 microns or smaller that are most damaging to human health – are heavily concentrated in the Jing-Jin-Ji region, home to China’s largest steel and iron manufacturers.

Nation Wide Ambient PM2.5 Concentrations

While the highest emissions of PM2.5 are concentrated in the Jing-Jin-Ji region, the impact of those emissions is nationwide.

Hebei as Steel Powerhouse

If it were a stand-alone country, the Hebei region would be the largest steel producer in the world. Steel manufacturing is a major source of air pollution – both of PM2.5 and CO2 emissions.

Jing-Jin-Ji Industry Emissions’ Impact on PM2.5

These two maps – created by Tsinghua University exclusively for this report – use sophisticated air modeling software to illustrate what would happen if emissions from industry alone were reduced by 30% for the month of January, historically one of the most polluted months of the year. The left-hand image portrays the base case of ambient PM2.5 concentrations in the Jing-Jin-Ji region. The right-hand image shows the results of reducing emissions from industry by 30%: a modest but significant impact on ambient PM2.5 across the region, as indicated by the lighter shades of yellow-orange in the urban areas of the region.

Impact of 30% Cut in Emissions, By Industry, on PM2.5 in Jing-Jin-Ji Cities

Tsinghua University’s modeling found that in winter, carbon emissions reductions in heating had the greatest impact on reducing PM2.5, followed by industry, while in summer, cuts in industrial carbon emissions had by far the greatest impact.A sensitivity analysis performed by Tsinghua University shows that among major industries in the Jing-Jin-Ji region, cutting emissions from the region’s iron and steel sector and the metallurgy sector would produce the largest improvement in ambient air quality in various cities of the region.

Energy Efficiency Will Help China Meet Carbon Targets

Implementing the most advanced energy efficiency measures, when combined with lower iron and steel demand, would reduce 2030 carbon emissions by 41% compared to doing nothing.

Total Installed Capacity in GW for Renewable Power, By Country, as of Year End 2014

As of 2014, China had more hydropower and wind capacity than any other country and ranked second in solar PV capacity.

Hebei Renewable Energy Capacity in 2015 in Relation to Other Provinces

Hebei is a leader in renewable energy: the province ranks sixth in terms of installed solar PV capacity and third in terms of wind capacity.

Impact of Low Carbon Development on China’s Power Sector Jobs

More renewable energy means more jobs: Nine million jobs could be created in China’s power sector by 2020 as a result of low-carbon development. Jobs in wind and solar are growing the fastest as China’s expands renewable energy to satisfy energy needs.

Changes in Employment By Sector in Pittsburgh and Cleveland

Lessons from the U.S. experience: While jobs in manufacturing declined, the U.S. Rust Belt cities of Pittsburgh and Cleveland saw a growth in health and education, and business-services jobs.

Advanced Energy Employment in California, 2014

Lessons from the U.S. experience: Employment in building-energy efficiency far outnumber other jobs created in California’s advanced economy, with solar a close second. Building-energy efficiency and solar are both sectors that have potential to expand in the Jing-Jin-Ji region.